Breaking Down Lakers Rumors on Remaining Plans for 2026 NBA Free Agency
It took a while for the Los Angeles Lakers to get involved in the 2026 NBA offseason.
But once they joined the party, it took no time to overhaul their roster.
In the span of about 35 minutes, they filled their interior void through a sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz for Walker Kessler, then targeted unrestricted free agents for frontcourt spacing (Sandro Mamukelashvili), two-way wing play (Quentin Grimes) and support scoring in the backcourt (Collin Sexton).
At this rate, they're down to filling depth needs, but they do have a few of them left on the shopping list. Let's break down the latest buzz in Lakerland.
Lakers Focused on Former Lottery Pick?
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The Lakers could still use more defense and athleticism on the wings, and they're hoping their latest might target might provide both.
Per NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, L.A. is focused on Jonathan Kuminga, the No. 7 pick of the 2021 draft. The 6'7", 225-pounder played his first four-plus seasons with the Golden State Warriors before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks in February.
If the Lakers want Kuminga, though, they'll need to be patient. Stein and Fischer reported that LeBron James' decision may be holding up Kuminga's market. The Cleveland Cavaliers, for example, have interest in Kuminga but don't want to do anything before finding out if they'll get James.
The insiders added that that Atlanta Hawks could try to re-sign Kuminga despite declining his $24.3 million team option, and the Milwaukee Bucks might be a landing spot, too. Interest seems far from sparse, in other words, so L.A. might want some alternatives even if he tops the wish list.
Another Laker Starter Leaving?
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While the Lakers are in the addition portion of this roster-reshuffling process, this summer will probably always be remembered for the subtractions.
LeBron James is obviously the headliner, but Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard signed elsewhere, and Deandre Ayton was traded away. Another recent regular sounds like he'll follow them out the door.
Per NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, there is a "growing expectation" that veteran forward Rui Hachimura will not return to the Lakers.
The door has appeared ajar for a Hachimura return at times, and he has seen potential suitors turn different directions—like the Detroit Pistons signing John Collins or the San Antonio Spurs signing Tobias Harris.
It had seemed earlier as if L.A. might try to unload some money to free up flexibility to re-sign Hachimura. But if the Lakers are prioritizing Kuminga, that means they're not prioritizing Hachimura, making his exit all the more likely.
Lakers Looking at Veterans for Backup Center Spot?
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Among L.A.'s many changes this summer was a total makeover at center. The Lakers obviously added Walker Kessler, and Jaxson Hayes shortly thereafter joined his former club, the Utah Jazz. L.A. later traded Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and a couple of second-round picks.
The Lakers should have more stability with Kessler—provided he can keep his injury issues behind him—but they'll still need another big to soak up second-team minutes. While they've gotten noticeably younger this summer, it looks like they might want an established veteran for this role.
Three-time champion Kevon Looney is one option, per NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. Jonas Valančiūnas, who just finished his 14th NBA season, is another.
These aren't the most exciting names you'll ever read, but maybe that's the point. L.A. took some big swings elsewhere, so it might just need safe, reliable options behind them. Looney and Valančiūnas are you-know-what-you're-getting kind of veterans. They're comfortable setting solid screens, banging near the basket, competing on the boards and not trying to do too much offensively.
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